HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc2498-9
25. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to give instructions to officers of the Metropolitan Police in the care and treatment of animals, in view of the heavy duties which fall on them in this connection.

Mr. Ede

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that Metropolitan police officers are instructed in the general law relating to animals and the steps they should take to get the best and quickest expert treatment for injured or sick animals in public places.

Mr. Freeman

While appreciating the excellent work they are doing, might I ask my right hon. Friend to allow representatives of organisations such as the R.S.P.C.A. to give occasional talks to these officers on both the legal and humanitarian aspects?

Mr. Ede

The officers are given appropriate training in this when they go to training centres on recruitment. The very closest liaison and co-operation exists between the police and the R.S.P.C.A., and I am quite sure that anything that can be done for their mutual benefit will always be welcomed.

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